Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history by scoring three goals after the 86th minute, including a record-setting penalty in the 125th minute, to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 clash at Lumen Field on Thursday morning and secure a place in the Round of 16.
Trailing 2-0 for most of the match, Belgium looked destined for elimination before staging a sensational comeback that turned a seemingly lost contest into one of the most memorable knockout victories in World Cup history.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku revived Belgium’s hopes with a goal in the 86th minute. Just three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans headed home the equaliser to force the match into extra time. Senegal had dominated much of the contest and appeared to be cruising towards a famous victory after Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute.
The African side doubled its advantage in the 51st minute through Ismaïla Sarr, whose clinical finish left Belgium facing an early exit. Belgium struggled to break down Senegal’s disciplined defence, but Lukaku’s introduction completely changed the momentum of the match.
In the 125th minute, Youri Tielemans calmly converted a VAR-awarded penalty to complete Belgium’s dramatic comeback and send his side into the Round of 16, where they will face the United States.
England Beat DR Congo to Reach the Round of 16
Captain Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to inspire England to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo, booking a place in the Round of 16.
In Wednesday night’s encounter, Kane once again delivered for his country. He equalised with a powerful header in the 75th minute before scoring the winner in the 86th minute, after England had trailed for more than an hour. The brace also took Kane’s World Cup tally to 13 goals, one more than the legendary Pelé.
Brian Cipenga stunned England by giving DR Congo the lead with his first international goal in the seventh minute. England responded with wave after wave of attacks but were repeatedly denied by outstanding goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Two excellent headers from Jude Bellingham were brilliantly saved, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared Marcus Rashford’s effort off the goal line. Kane also saw a volley kept out by Mpasi before halftime, while Yoane Wissa struck the post for DR Congo.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel’s second-half substitutions proved decisive. Substitute Anthony Gordon delivered a superb cross in the 75th minute for Kane to head home the equaliser. England then took complete control of the game, and in the 86th minute Kane produced a brilliant turn before firing a powerful shot inside the near post to complete the comeback.
Despite late pressure from DR Congo, England’s defence held firm to seal victory. England will now face Mexico in the Round of 16.
USA Beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to Reach the Round of 16
Tournament co-hosts the United States secured their place in the Round of 16 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal just before halftime, his third of the tournament. However, shortly after the hour mark, he was sent off following a controversial decision and now faces suspension for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
The incident occurred after a collision between Balogun and Bosnian defender Tarik Muhamedović. Both players initially went to ground before the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) instructed Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
After watching the replay, Claus ruled that Balogun had raked his boot across Muhamedović’s foot and caught his ankle, resulting in a straight red card for serious foul play.
Balogun appeared visibly stunned as he left the field, where Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah consoled him on the sidelines. A World Cup red card carries an automatic one-match suspension, although the United States is expected to appeal the decision.
Balogun became the fifth American player to receive a red card at a FIFA World Cup and the first player from any nation since Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup Final to both score and be sent off in the same knockout match.
